Runner Anna races for cancer cannabis campaign

A KEEN runner is set to take on a challenging race in order to raise cash for more research to be done into the use of cannabis oil to treat cancer patients

Anna Bragga, 47, of Conduit Road, Bedford, signed up for the Sandy 10 run, a 10 mile run organised by Biggleswade Athletic Club, in February but wasn't sure which charity she wanted to run for.

After undertaking research of her own she discovered Hertfordshire based Dr Hadwen Trust which has agreed to support her campaign ‘Running for Oil' so that scientists can learn more about the effect cannabis has on helping cancer patients and people with brain tumours.

However as cannabis is an illegal substance in the UK, Anna decided to raise money so that experts can provide enough evidence of its benefits to allow it to be prescribed to sufferers.

Anna, who runs her own public relations firm, said: "I have always been a very physically active person, finding it unnatural to spend hours each day sitting at a desk staring at screen.

"I managed to get the Dr Hadwen Trust to set up a fund for the money I am raising and now I have got the cannabis community watching my efforts to see what happens because it could potentially be a huge breakthrough.

"Endurance sports like running, cycling, ‘spinning', and weight training appeal as they allow me to push my body to the limits. The harder I work out, the greater the sense of well-being and peace afterwards. I've been wanting to join the local athletics club but transport issues prevent that.

"Even cancer sufferers are not permitted to grow the plant to make life-saving cannabis oil which is classified as a Class B drug despite the fact that it has no known side effects. Possession can result in up to five years in jail and an unlimited fine if tried in a crown court. Decriminalisation of cannabis oil needs to happen as soon as possible in the war on cancer.

""I want to make it legal for people to get this treatment. I saw my grandfather die of cancer and the agony he went through and I don't want others to deal with the same thing when there is an alternative treatment out there.

"Why raise money to fund more cancer research studies (often involving cruel experiments on animals) when nature has provided us with cannabis, an ancient plant scientifically proven to be effective against cancer?

"There has been research carried out on this in Spain and also going back as long ago as the 1970s. I believe this is the way to go."

Anna will take part in the Sandy 10 this Sunday. If you want to donate towards her campaign, or to the Dr Hadwen Trust, visit: http://www.drhadwentrust.org/donate/single-donation

http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk 4/3/2013